Obesity in Pets

Veterinarian Reviewed on January 12, 2013 by Dr. Janice HuntingfordPosted in Cats

Obesity is a very common problem in pets. Approximately 40% of all pets are overweight. This is not just a cosmetic issue with a little extra “fluff”, obesity can be a serious problem. Just like humans, pets that are overweight suffer from illness related to their weight. The extra weight puts stress on all parts of the body. Obese animals are more likely to develop joint and mobility problems, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure and increased surgical and anesthetic risks.

Pets that are obese have a poorer quality of life, are more irritable and more inactive. Scientific studies have shown that dogs that are overweight live on average 2 years less than their non-overweight littermates.

What Causes Pet Obesity?

In nature, animals would hunt for food. This activity consumes calories. The food that they would eat is low in carbohydrates and sugar so would produce a lower body weight. Commercial dog and cat foods are high in carbs, fat and sugar. Our pets, in general, do not receive enough exercise and consume too much food. Lifestyle, environmental toxins and diet all put stress on the liver and this compounds the problem.

Some diseases such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) and Cushing’s disease (an overactive adrenal gland) can also lead to obesity. In addition, genetics and medications can play a role.

How Can We Avoid Obesity in Our Pets?

Feed a good commercial or balanced homemade diet that is appropriate for your pet and is not too high in carbohydrates. Provide plenty of exercise to stimulate sluggish metabolism — swimming is a great exercise for dogs and burns lots of calories. It is also easy on the joints.

Herbs such as Milk Thistle and Life Gold can help fight obesity and allow the liver to detox. For more information on these products, please visit:

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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities.
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